SISTER ACT-BAY AREA PREMIERE

BP_Sister_Act_7_PressBerkeley Playhouse opened their tenth season with Alan Menken’s musical comedy, Sister Act. The play is based on the hit 1992 film that featured Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris Van Cartier. There are slight differences between the two but the heart of the story is the same. Deloris witnesses a crime and needs to be placed into protective custody stat. Where’s the last place you’d look for a Disco Diva? A convent of course!

When Deloris (Elizabeth Jones) is introduced to the Mother Superior (Heather Orth) tensions quickly arise. The order of things are quickly thrown with Deloris’s arrival. She is forced to trade in her nighttime gigs for silent nights. Mother Superior keeps a watchful eye on her but the other nuns take a liking to Deloris as she slowly unravels the real her to them.

She becomes the chorus lead and takes the spotlight during church performances. The church gains fans and local news takes an interest. They’re now in the spotlight and that’s not a good place for someone hiding from a gang.

The story itself is not family friendly on paper but the singing and choreography add an innocent element to the show that makes it fun for all. In the end there’s a valuable lesson learned about being your authentic self and being open to new experiences. Deloris found friendships in a place she least expected and the nuns found a way to express themselves through music.

Jones had a great voice and carry’s the musical scenes however, Orth as Mother Superior and Sheila Townshend as Sister Mary Patrick take the acting awards. The entire cast is on point but those two stood out. You’ll also want to pay attention to all the actors when they’re on opposite sides of the stage. They do a great job at staying in character and make hilarious facial expressions and dance movements that you’ll miss by focusing on one character.

BP_Sister_Act_6_PressPerformances run Friday through Sunday, and select Thursday evenings until October 22. Tickets (ranging from $22—$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Sister Act will offer its Pay What You Can dates on Thursday, October 5 and 12 at the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets for Pay What You Can performances go on sale at the Julia Morgan Theater box office one hour prior to performance time. Tickets are cash only and no reservation is required, and seating is assigned at time of purchase.

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ABOUT BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE:
Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse’s mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.


 

 

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